Wood heaters are estimated to be responsible for more pollution-related deaths than all the cars on our roads. This national map shows which areas are affected the most.
@zero_gravitas poorly operated wood heaters surely provide the lion’s share of pollution. I’d like to see some data on emissions from a well controlled evening burn vs a poorly-managed smouldering mess.
Yep, need to get a hot blazing burn then it’s fairly clean (and efficient). Smaller wood is better – just keep loading it in.
Trouble is, no one ever listens. They throw on massive logs then crank the airflow right down for the lovely slow burn through the evening, then wedge in the biggest piece they can find and close the airflow “so it’s still burning in the morning” (*smouldering).
Ive used wood heat most of my life. Its more of the wood quality thay effects that. Dry, cured maple or ash burns clean even at lower temperatures. Most of the impurities come from volatile compounds such as burning green wood, or wood with oily resins like pine. But sure, its less efficient, but its not that big of a difference.
@zero_gravitas poorly operated wood heaters surely provide the lion’s share of pollution. I’d like to see some data on emissions from a well controlled evening burn vs a poorly-managed smouldering mess.
Yep, need to get a hot blazing burn then it’s fairly clean (and efficient). Smaller wood is better – just keep loading it in.
Trouble is, no one ever listens. They throw on massive logs then crank the airflow right down for the lovely slow burn through the evening, then wedge in the biggest piece they can find and close the airflow “so it’s still burning in the morning” (*smouldering).
Unless you are awake to refill it every hour or so… slow burning means consistent heat throughout the night.
It’s a consistent highly inefficient heat because it only smoulders, without a flame.
It will clog your chimney/flue with creosote.
It’s also a horrible thing to do to yourself and your neighbours.
No efficient wood heater/stove is designed to burn like that.
If you want a slow release of heat you need to store it in masonry or water.
Ive used wood heat most of my life. Its more of the wood quality thay effects that. Dry, cured maple or ash burns clean even at lower temperatures. Most of the impurities come from volatile compounds such as burning green wood, or wood with oily resins like pine. But sure, its less efficient, but its not that big of a difference.